Team-BHP member 'Ithaca' has posted a spyshot of the S201 from Maharashtra. Will M&M opt against an alphanumeric branding and a name that does not end with an 'o' for its first launch of 2019?

Nov 6, 2018 -

Powerdrift has spotted a heavily camouflaged test unit of a top-spec Mahindra S201. While an earlier sighting revealed the electric sunroof of the top grade of the company's Maruti Vitara Brezza-rival, the latest set of spy images show the dual-tone machined alloy wheels and a disc brake setup at the rear.

The Mahindra S201 will set itself apart from the SsangYong Tivoli with thoroughly revised front and rear fascias and a smaller body.

The Mahindra S201 will launch in January 2019. The new Maruti Vitara Brezza-rival from Mahindra is based on the Ssangyong Tivoli but will carry several distinct design elements, including an entirely new front- and rear-end. Furthermore, it will be a tad smaller than the Ssangyong Tivoli so that it can circumvent the higher GST levied on vehicles that measure more than 4,000 mm in length.

On the outside, the Mahindra S201 will feature LED headlights with a U-shaped glow pattern, LED tail lamps, 17-inch dual-tone machined alloy wheels, a six-slot front grille, a bolder hexagonal lower air intake, a new tailgate with registration plate housing and horizontally positioned taillamps. It's worth noting that the SsangYong Tivoli features vertically-stacked tail lamps, while its licence plate is placed on the bumper. The interior is expected to stay mostly true to that of the Korean cousin, albeit, with changes in the upholstery and material quality.

The Mahindra S201 will launch in petrol and diesel variants. The former will be powered by a turbocharged motor that will displace 1.2-litre and should offer a decent blend of high performance and fuel efficiency. The latter will feature the Marazzo's 1.5-litre oil-burner, which, in its current state, outputs 121 bhp and 300 Nm. The motor comes mated to a six-speed manual transmission.